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Toonie\'s Love	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Sirius Views: 50460 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 10
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money off this story.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. Love you, woman, you're the best!

With help from Lynn who works with me when it comes to flow, continuity and other issues.

Chapter 12

Groaning when Sirius came into the room, PJ asked, flopping down in a chair to put his socks on, “Do I want to know what's going on?”
Conjuring a chair, Sirius took a seat, slumping, then said, “We have a huge meeting this evening. For now, we're good and no one is in the house, but we'll have a ton tonight. I just wanted to give you fair warning.” As always anymore, despite mental threats to himself, his eyes drifted up and down that wonderful body. That—blimey, it was like an unholy attraction nothing he did could break. Hell, it wasn't even dimming, despite what he was trying. Even worse was he couldn't see anything beyond PJ's bare chest. Sure, he looked great in those jeans of his, but they weren't overly tight or revealing. Giving a mental shake of his head, he sighed then added, “Which means you either need to plan to find something to do out of the house or stay up here to work.” Shrugging, he added, “I don't like forcing you to do either one, you know that, but you don't want to get involved in Order business. We expected something like this because of the fallout, too.”
“I did as well,” PJ groaned, leaning back after finishing with his socks. “Don't worry, I'll find something to do. There are a couple things I need to go it alone for anyway.” Seeing Sirius about to ask, he said, “Articles I want to do. You and Remus can't come along with me when I do that, Sirius. The second anyone I need to talk to sees you or Remus, they would shut up. I've worked out a different glamour to tend to those bits, so no one can connect JP to PJ, but it would still look plenty odd for you two to come with me.”
“It would, I admit that,” Sirius conceded with a nod. “You'll be safe, right?”
“No problem there,” PJ assured him with a wave of his hand. “I won't even be among our kind to do this. We're meeting in Muggle areas, busy ones. They want that to protect themselves, obviously.”
“Good,” Sirius breathed with a pleased nod. “Just keep the phone on you and shout if it looks to go pear shaped or something is off.”
“I will, don't worry,” PJ smiled. “And I'll go to the gym. That's always safe. When I get done there, I'll call to see what's going on. If it's still chaos, I'll come home and stay up here to see what I can get done.”
“Sounds like a good plan to me,” Sirius told him, happy with that plan. Lowering his voice, he added, “Look, I'm sorry. I know this is playing havoc with the creative process. It just can't be helped. We knew this bit could come when that article hit.”
“Nothing to worry about,” PJ told him with a shrug. Grinning, he added, “And stuff like this is the reason I write at night.” Seeing Sirius look like he was going to ask, PJ explained, “I started writing in school. You were in dorms and know what that was like. No shot at concentrating with all that noise around, so I started staying up late to write. That carried over to uni as well. Then it became a habit because it was easier to get something done as I was less apt to end up bothered, even by phone calls. So, that's how I go about it now. It works for me.”
Grinning, Sirius smoothed down his goatee and nodded, “I can completely understand that reasoning, that's for damned sure! And see how it works well. It was something I was wondering about.” He assumed, going in, that it had to do with the time zone bit and PJ being used to Pacific Time in the States.
Shrugging, PJ told him, “You go with what works for you and that's what does it for me.” Sighing, he said, “Don't worry about me, I'll be fine and find plenty to do. This should calm in a week or so I would think, at least on this front. I'm sure other bits will crop up with what this is bound to set off. It was something I figured was coming after I moved in. Nothing to worry about. I'm fairly self-entertaining. If worse comes to worst, there is a small Muggle bar not far from here I can go to for a while to just sit and watch the telly. That's something I like as well. Most run sports all the time on at least one screen. I miss watching footie.”
“Footie?” Sirius asked, confused, shaking his head.
Grinning, PJ explained soccer to Sirius, at least the basics. “It was almost like Quidditch is to our kind where I went to school; an obsession. I like it.”
Comprehending somewhat, though confused by what some of PJ explained, Sirius nodded, “Sounds like a good plan. You'd be close enough that we could get to you, fast, if something happens.” Though he didn't like the idea of PJ going to a bar alone, what with how he picked him up. He would keep a handle on that end, though. After all, PJ could do what he wanted as they weren't really attached. It was just—the jealousy that was growing even thinking about him picking up someone else or allowing himself to be picked up was prodding him, hard. He would deal with it accordingly and keep a damned short leash on it, though!
“Is there anything I need to worry about or keep watch for?” PJ asked, wanting to make sure he knew about such areas just in case.
“So far, no,” Sirius told him honestly. “You're good. You've hidden yourself well enough and nothing in that article gave clues, that I wouldn't worry. If it looks like its heading in that direction, I'll let you know. The only thing I can see is you might want to get in touch with Du Bois to tell him to keep an eye on himself. They're going to start looking for him to see what they can wiggle to get out of him.”
“I'll give him a call to let him know to stay on his toes,” PJ said, a determined bent to his voice. “He's staying out of the States right now as he's sure that's where they'll start. I think, maybe, he's on the continent. Not sure there, though. It's better if I don't know, honestly. I'll also have him get in touch with Johnny to make sure all of them are aware as well.”
“They can't get anything out of any of them, can they? Spells were mentioned, by you and Albus, both, that prevent that, but I want to be damned sure there.”
“Absolutely not,” PJ told him with a shake of his head. “I made sure of that going in. Every bit of information they have, including stuff that didn't make it into that article, is protected with spells. Everyone involved is bound by other spells, so they can't talk, no matter what anyone does. We all know when the gossip is good enough, some people start yammering. Those spells were invented for that reason. Which is why I agreed to do the interview. I knew I could stay protected.”
“Perfect,” Sirius grinned. Sobering up, he added, “And I'm sure the other side of this nightmare will end up looking for him as well.”
“He's prepared for that,” PJ told him honestly. “He knew going in what could come with some of what I said. Not to mention what he found on Death Eaters. Nothing to worry about. If anyone in this world knows how to protect himself, it's Du Bois. He's had plenty experience doing it.”
“What he needs to employ, trust me,” Sirius sighed. Relaxing and crossing his legs, he said, “Well, we should be left alone until the meeting. Anything you want to do today?”
“Relax,” PJ snorted, grinning. “We've had so much going on that we haven't had a chance to do that other than last night!”
Laughing, Sirius nodded, “Understood! We'll find something relaxing to do that doesn't involve this mess. Maybe have a meal outside and shoot the shite. That's always good.” He liked that idea, though, because PJ was right; it had been supremely stressful since he moved in and they just needed some time to chill. They'd find something.

Settling in as the meeting started, Sirius made sure he was paying close attention. Because of the topics that were bound to come up, he knew he had to remember parts to pass along to his godson to keep him safe. That and see what they could do to throw a spanner into whatever some people might come up with that may tread too close to some bits they wanted to stay hidden. He just had to wait and see what was coming from everyone to judge what they needed to do.
Folding his hands on the table, Albus looked around. “I've thought over what needs done with this situation and decided to go about it two-fold. First, we're going to set half of us to protections for various areas. While talking to Vernon and Dudley will be part of what we're doing, we do need to set up something, at least minimally, to protect them. Those Blood Wards fell when Harry vanished. While we put up something to protect them, it's something we need to beef up with all that's coming. That and find a way to protect Dudley as he isn't living at home anymore. There are also members of the Order, Muggle families and others that need our help as well. So, for those of you better with Warding and other spells, we need to set you to that task.”
After seeing plenty of nods to that, assuming there wouldn't have been any objections, he pressed on. “Those I assign to do that are also going to work on seeing if we can't predict what Tom may do. Most of our information will come from Severus, of course, and a few other contacts I have. We need to prepare for plenty, though. As the ones I'm assigning for protections are the ones better at defensive spells, you are charged with tending to that and helping everyone prepare the best you can. We're probably also going to need you to work as body guards of sorts.” Stopping, he glanced at Sirius then his gaze slid to Remus before adding, tone softening, taking on a weary bent, “Remus and Sirius—I'm not assigning you too much because I think you need concern yourself with PJ. I'm certain his relationship with Sirius will come out shortly, then he's going to need more protection than most. It's my thought, sorry to say, that it's doubtful he's going to be able to go out on his own much longer.”
“We've already planned on that,” Sirius told him with a nod. “He's also coming up with a glamour to use to throw people off. It won't for long, we all know that, but it can only help. He's not sure what is going on with his book release when it comes to here. So, we thought the glamour would help to protect him if he does have to do publicity work, keeping what he looks like different to throw people off other than publicity work. That and Remus and I will come up with something to disguise our looks as well, so we can act as bodyguards, something his publisher wants.”
“If it gets bad enough, some of us might have to come with you, lads,” Moody told him, looking in his direction. “It depends on how high-profile he gets with this release. I know that he's not well known here because of what he writes, but if they push for something public, we might need to help, depending on how bad this gets.”
“I honestly don't see PJ getting upset by something like that,” Remus added in there. And he didn't. PJ knew quite well how bad this could get if his supposed attachment to Sirius came out. While he knew how to protect himself, something obvious, Remus didn't see where he would voice any objection to a few others looking out for him.
“We'll deal with the situation as it presents itself,” Sirius sighed, shaking his head. “He knows what might come of this mess. I've explained it to him. He also knew when I asked him to move in what could come of it if the war kicked off. So, he's not going to end up blindsided. I prepared him the best I could. Since then, I've talked to him about it as well. We're making up plans to keep him safe and he's not balking at them, even starting now though nothing is going on that needs him to stay on his toes. The only thing he wants made clear, though it won't help him with the other side because of me, is there is no attachment to the Order and that he's not helping in any way. Just—he's calling to check in plenty from this point forward. So if we're doing a meeting, I'm leaving to take that call. No offense to anyone.”
“None taken and I would expect you to do just that,” Albus told him with a nod. “If you get a feeling or whatever, I expect you to leave and call him as well.”
“Is there any chance of us getting our hands on phones like they have?” Tonks asked, looking around. “I know they are illegal unless you have a waiver like they do, but they could help us, plenty.”
“I don't think so, though I do agree they could be an immeasurable help,” Albus sighed. Looking at Arthur, he asked, “Can you check into that for us or see what you can wiggle to get something through so we can use them? With what's coming, they could save lives.”
“As of now, they are considered a Muggle artifact,” Arthur sighed. “I know plenty of countries are allowing them because they are dead useful. Let me see what I can do. I'll get with Sirius and Remus to take a gander at their mobiles then go from there. If this war kicks off and starts becoming bad, fast, I might be able to push something through. Especially with the DMLE. Let me see. I'll try to set up a meeting with Madam Bones to work on something with her. Plenty of overseas companies are using those waivers now. That might be something I can work with. Give me a couple of weeks to see what I can manage.”
“I'm saying if we can't manage, we do it under the table,” Kingsley said, looking around. “Especially when it gets bad. It'll just be a wrist slap if we do have them, nothing that will harm us. It's something we might need to look into. They're easy to get our hands on. We can hop to France and pick up plenty of them, activating them there as they allow them.”
“While I don't like stepping outside the line of the law, we may want to consider that as well, depending on how bad this gets,” Albus sighed. “Let's see what we can manage that doesn't skirt the law.” Pressing on, he pushed to the next item.
“For the rest of you, I'm going to have you help with research. I know that it's not the most exciting of endeavors, but Hermione can't take all that's here on by herself. She needs help. I'm setting her up as head of that so she can assign who she needs where. She's acquainted enough with all of you to know where your strengths are.”
“What exactly are we looking into, Albus?” Ginny asked, curious. She knew there was plenty they wanted to find, but wanted what the focus would be so they had an idea going in. With what she knew, she assumed she would be with Hermione researching as plenty of the others were better with Defense than she was.
“We're going to start with the reporter and see if we can find him. Hermione is already trying to trace the man,” Albus said, looking around. Then he gestured for Hermione to take over.
“What I've found so far is this; the wire service that put out the article must have known what hell it was unleashing because just days before the article hit, they closed their offices here in the UK and moved to base out of France. That's not something that will be a problem, honestly. What had been here were people that dealt with the business end, nothing more. They have no reporters permanently based in the UK. All they use are stringers, people that just produce articles for them as they find a story, not ones assigned to anything. Any staff they used for actual reporting and stories were on the continent. That's where I want to start,” Hermione explained, glancing around. “This Du Bois is actually fairly well known. He's produced some big articles that have won him awards and has been a reporter for a couple decades. However, he's one that knows to protect himself, so he's hard to track down. I do know that his home is listed as New Orleans in the States. That doesn't help much as it's been mentioned he lives elsewhere most of the time. I'm assuming in California as that's where the wire service's offices are.”
Shuffling the papers she had with her, she glanced at her notes then continued, “We have one other lead that might help, though I'm not hopeful on it. There is another reporter, a stringer, that has worked with this Du Bois many times in the past. In fact, he's been mentioned as the man's mentor. He's been producing work out of the UK. The problem comes in that no one knows who he is or what he looks like. He's another that is also hard to trace. The only thing I've been able to come up with on him is that he lives in the States, nothing more. He's one that protects himself quite well and isn't one that is high profile. His name is JP Bedlam.” Before anyone could ask, as several looked like they were trying to place where they knew the name, she said, “He's the one that wrote those articles several years ago about the UK school system, government and press that just caused havoc.”
At that, Sirius' stomach began to clench. Fuck! They did not need Hermione digging into PJ's pen name. “I remember those,” he said, trying to sound casual. “Any idea where to find him? And if you do, what do you hope to get out of him? If he's a reporter, he's not going to talk.”
Sighing, Hermione shook her head. “I know. It's the only line we have that might help make finding Du Bois easier. However, this JP isn't easy to find himself. He keeps himself concealed. Even the award he got, the Shaw, there are no pictures of him getting it. My understanding from the articles on that is that he refused to have his picture taken in order to keep himself safe. I'm wondering if trying to find him isn't a waste of time and we should just focus on Du Bois.”
Thinking fast, Remus tried to come up with something to throw Hermione off that track before she started. After a few moments, he said, “I would suggest leave the other alone unless you just can't find anything on this Du Bois or a place to look for him. Poking reporters on this mess might be bad business. Not only are they close-mouthed, but they could begin to wonder what we're up to then start looking in our direction. With what we're doing, that might not be wise. Especially with what came out in that article. We need nothing like that again or for them to dig more.” He hoped like hell that worked and threw them off. If it didn't, they would have to work harder. And do it in increments so no one would think anything was off.
Pondering that for a few moments, Hermione gave a slow nod. “I'll keep it on the back burner if I can't find anything else, but will focus on the reporter himself. Thank you for the advice, Remus.”
Pleased that went well, at least for now, and making a mental note to fill PJ in when he got back, Sirius asked, “Are you researching anything else?” He was sure Harry was factoring into this and that would come. He just hoped like hell it wasn't the main focus.
“We're going to see if we can trace Harry. It's not something I'm sure we can manage, honestly.” Hermione sighed. “For now, it's just to see if we can find him to offer protection. Nothing else. Later on—we'll see.”
“I still think he need left alone,” Bill said, voice hard. “He's doing fine on his own. Let him continue.”
“We're just seeing if we can find him, nothing more,” Albus soothed, making a placating gesture so this didn't go any further. “It's going to take plenty of time to work with the clues we do have. So, it's not something that will pan out anytime soon.” Hoping not to invoke another fight, he changed topics.
“We need to concern ourselves with plenty at this point. I'm sure Tom is planning his version of hell for all of us with what was revealed. Those of you in the Ministry itself—we need anything you can get us on what's going on there. Anything at all. Leanings, what they're doing, what they're preparing, all of it.”
“We're already looking into what was in the paper. The line is to see if it is true. I think, honestly, both Rufus and Madam Bones think it is, they just want proof before they launch into full war mode. Give it time. If we can get them evidence they can use, we can push it faster,” Kingsley told him, looking around the table.
“From all we've heard, Fudge is staying in denial. He doesn't want to admit anything. In fact, from the rumor going around, he's planning to issue a press release saying not to believe it and there is no proof,” Arthur added. Shaking his head and giving a heavy sigh, he told them, “Until that side does something no one can deny or You-Know-Who makes his presence known, Fudge is going to fight this every step of the way. We need him out, honestly, or we'll have problems.”
“Let me see what I can manage,” Albus sighed. “I don't anticipate Cornelius budging until he has to, but, maybe, I can prod other departments the way we need them. I don't know. We'll try.” Continuing on, he had everyone divide up by where he wanted them working and sit at opposite ends of the table so they could get to work. He didn't expect to get much accomplished tonight, but wanted to get the barest of bones down so they could start. There were plenty of bits he wanted to work on himself to see what he could manage. Those he would tend to later and bring up as he found something.

“One hint she looks like she's trying to dig in my direction and I'm sending her every bit I can dig up on her,” PJ said, tone icy, looking between Remus and Sirius. They were all in the bedroom so the two could fill him in on what was said where it pertained to him. Shaking his head, he told them both, “I'm not going to play with her, all there is to it.”
“I say go for it. That and dig everything you can up then toss it at her,” Sirius snorted. “Make it sting and clear that you'll run with it if she keeps trying. I know that's akin to blackmail, but we don't want this.”
“Give us time to see what we can do. We'll hear if she's looking in your direction, PJ. If she is, do it. We won't say a word. This she needs to leave alone,” Remus added quietly.
“She doesn't want to play with me,” PJ said, tone hard as granite. “I won't be nice. Already, I'm digging into the fallout from that article and who's doing what. She doesn't want me adding her and Ron in. From what a source fed me today, that relationship is probably ending. They say she's done with him and just right furious that most everyone knew he was a player, but said nothing to her. From what they fed me, it's because most that work with her can't stand her know-it-all attitude and didn't bother. That's not something she wants out there. I can get plenty more, trust me. One hint and that's what I'm doing.”
“And you'll hear nothing from us about it,” Sirius shrugged. “We don't need that. It's bad enough that they are looking for you as Harry, we don't need your pen name dropped in here.”
“Any way to have your friend make a couple of appearances so she has somewhere to focus? I don't know how he would do that, of course, but there should be a way.” Remus suggested.
“Let me see what I can manage there,” PJ sighed, not liking this turn of events. “He might be able to come up with something. We'll see. Give me time.”
“Until she pulls something, don't worry,” Sirius told him, reaching out and putting a hand on his shoulder. Giving it a squeeze, he added, “If she is going that way, we'll hear about it.”
“She might as it'll be easier,” PJ sighed. “I'm in the middle of one article talking about this mess and about to start another. That alone, from what is going in them, will tell her I'm in the UK. Let me see what I can swing. I'll get with Johnny and explain what's going on.”
“It might help them as well,” Remus added. “They can use it, of course. You can use us as anonymous sources on some areas to feed the information. It won't look like it's coming from the Order.”
“That I can use,” PJ nodded. “I'll get with you two tomorrow and do the spells then pass what I can to Johnny and Du Bois.” This was not something he needed, but he was sure he could protect himself well enough that no one could figure out who he was. That he was sure. He was also going to do all he could to put measures in place to help him do just that. It just meant he had to think. That and rely on Sirius and Remus to help. Though he trusted his godfather and Remus, he was so used to taking care of himself that it wasn't as easy as it sounded. He would try, though, all he could do.
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